Pembroke tournament boosts golf programs for veterans

On Monday, Sept. 23, the Salute Military Golf Association will hold the first Our Nation’s Heroes Golf Tournament to support golfing programs for veterans and raise awareness of the capabilities of disabled veterans and civilians alike who benefit from the ability to continue golfing.

By Jessica Trufant

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

By Jessica Trufant

Posted Sep. 18, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Sep 18, 2013 at 6:06 PM

By Jessica Trufant

Posted Sep. 18, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Sep 18, 2013 at 6:06 PM

PEMBROKE

» Social News

In April, the Boston chapter of the Salute Military Golf Association, a nonprofit that provides rehabilitative golf experiences to military veterans, received a special delivery: a mobility device called the ParaGolfer.

The device, which costs about $20,000, is essentially a power wheelchair that allows amputees and people who are paralyzed to move into a standing position and then adjust their angle over a golf ball.

The Salute Military Golf Association had raised only about $3,000 when the ParaGolfer was delivered, so the device was provided in good faith by the Stand Up and Play Foundation, an organization in Washington, D.C., that helps mobility-impaired people take part in sports and other activities.

Not only has the association raised enough money to pay off its first ParaGolfer, it is well on its way to purchasing a second one.

On Monday, Sept. 23, the association will hold the first Our Nation’s Heroes Golf Tournament to support golfing programs for veterans and raise awareness of the capabilities of disabled veterans and civilians alike who benefit from the ability to continue golfing.

Jerry Shanahan, the association’s fundraising coordinator, said four single amputees, one double amputee, two paralyzed players using ParaGolfers, and two partially-paralyzed golfers using SoloRiders will take part in the the tournament. The group expects more than 120 players.

“This was our ultimate goal, to be able to get all these guys, plus able-bodied veterans, on the golf course together,” Shanahan said, adding that the tournament is a way to honor wounded veterans.

The tournament will be held at the Pembroke Country Club, 94 W. Elm St. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the range opens for players at 9 a.m. Shanahan said there are still a few slots available.

Clinics for all veterans and players using ParaGolfers and SoloRiders, a 21 Golf Shot Salute to Fallen Heroes, and the singing of the national anthem will be held before the 11 a.m. shotgun start.

The cost is $125 per player or $500 per foursome, which includes clinics with instructors, raffles, on-course games, a silent auction and an awards banquet and buffet dinner. For more information, visit www.smgaboston.org.